Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is a famous hiking route in Peru that leads to Machu Picchu. Spanning about 43 kilometers, this historic trail offers a multi-day experience through stunning landscapes and Incan ruins, requiring advance permits and providing an unforgettable adventure amidst mountains and jungles.
Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
Take the Challenge of the Inca Trail
- Trek the most popular hike of South America
- Walk in the footsteps of the Inca on 500-year-old trail
- Explore all the ruins of this historical scenic trek
- Hike through to Sun Gate directly to Majestic Machu Picchu.
- Choose the best Inca trail for you – 1, 2, 4 or 5 day
What to Expect when Booking
- Small intimate groups of 2 to 8 person
- Guaranteed 2 or more book, you go!
- Porters included at no extra cost
- Best campsites, Winay Hauyna included
- Highly trained English-speaking guides
- 100% Local Tour Operator.
OVERVIEW
The Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and popular trekking routes in the world. It is a stunning hiking trail that leads to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. This trek is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, Inca archaeological sites and the sense of adventure it offers to those who undertake it.
The trail traverses through the magnificent Andean mountain range, taking hikers through a variety of landscapes, including lush forests, high-altitude passes and stunning Inca ruins. The trail’s most famous destination is the ancient city of Machu Picchu, which was built in the 15th century and is considered one of the greatest architectural wonders of the world.
To hike the Inca Trail, you must obtain a permit, and there is a limit on the number of permits issued each day. This means that it’s essential to book your trip well in advance and to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation before embarking on your journey.
To fully enjoy the trail, it’s recommended to book with a licensed tour operator, who will provide you with a guide, porters, and all necessary equipment. The porters will carry your camping gear, food, and other supplies, allowing you to focus on the incredible scenery and immerse yourself in the experience.
The Inca Trail can be challenging, with steep ascents and descents, high altitude and variable weather conditions. It’s essential to be physically prepared and to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek. However, the trail’s breathtaking views and the unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of the Inca civilization make it a journey that is well worth the effort.
Best Seller
If you have a passion for adventure and seek one of the world’s best hiking experiences, our 4-day Classic Inca Trail Trek is tailored for you. It merges thrilling trekking routes with breathtaking scenery, offering an unforgettable journey. Whether solo, with a partner, or as a group, join us to explore this iconic trail and its rich historical legacy.
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu- 4D/3N
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU ONE OF THE WORLD’S TEN BEST HIKE The 4 day Inca Trail is famous for being one of the world’s best hikes, discover the pathways of the Inca and be astonished by the wealt ....
Tours to the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail offers various trekking options, ranging from 2-day itineraries to 7-day journeys that incorporate segments of the Salkantay Trail. However, the classic 4-day route stands out as the most sought-after, leading adventurers through breathtaking landscapes, iconic Inca sites, and culminating at the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel. This unforgettable experience requires reservations months in advance due to high demand, making it the preferred choice for those seeking a complete immersion in the history and natural beauty of the Peruvian Andes.
Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5D/4N
Permits and Regulations
Due to its popularity, the Inca Trail has a limited number of permits available each day to control the number of trekkers and preserve the environment. It’s essential to secure your permit well in advance through a licensed tour operator. These permits can sell out quickly, especially during the high season (May to September).
Calendar Inca trail trek
Highlight of the Inca Trail Trek.
Stunning Scenery
The Inca Trail winds through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, from lush jungles to snow-capped peaks and high-altitude plateaus. Along the way, you’ll see incredible vistas of the Andes and be surrounded by natural beauty.
Patallacta
This archaeological site, located in the lush and green Urubamba valley, Cusco, the highland terraces of Patallacta were likely used for crop production for Tambos, or resting places for travelers, that accommodated people on pilgrimage to Machu Picchu during Incan times. It’s only accessible from a single narrow stone staircase.
Dead Woman’s Pass
Climb out of the Sacred Valley towards Warmiwanusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass, on the second day of the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days. This highest point of the trek at 4,215 m (3,828 ft) with stunning views at the summit.
Inca Ruins
The trail is dotted with numerous Inca ruins, including Wiñay Wayna, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca. These ancient sites provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the Inca people and their sophisticated engineering and architectural skills.
Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
The Sun Gate is a stone archway that marks the entrance to Machu Picchu. The trail culminates in a breathtaking view of the ruins from this vantage point.
Machu Picchu
The ancient city of Machu Picchu is the most famous highlight of the Inca Trail. The breathtaking ruins of this 15th-century Inca citadel were rediscovered in 1911 and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
FAQs Inca Trail Trek
Packing List for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
- PASSPORT: You MUST take your original passport, a photocopy is not acceptable. (Keep it in a plastic bag, in case of rain).
- SLEEPING BAGS: You will need a good warm sleeping bag for the Inca Trail trek. We that recommend you bring your own sleeping bag. However, you can rent one from SAM Travel for $20 USD per person, that is guaranteed to be warm and professionally cleaned. If you are planning to purchase a sleeping bag, it is a good idea to purchase a four season (or -10 C) sleeping bag during the winter months. For other months, you will probably be fine in a 3 season (or -4/-5 C) sleeping bag, although this depends on how much you feel the cold and is given as a guideline only.
- INFLATABLE MATTRESSES: It is recommended to have an inflatable mattress for comfort but not required. SAM Travel Peru foam mattresses are included within the package price. If you would like to rent an inflatable high quality Thermarest mattress, we have them available to rent for $20 USD per person. If you rent the air mattress, you still get the foam mattress to put under it.
- WALKING POLES: It is highly recommended that you have walking poles for your trek. SAM Travel Peru has professional extendable poles available to rent for $15 USD a pair, per person.
- WATERPROOF, WELL WORN IN WALKING BOOTS: Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear on your feet, the most important thing is comfort. It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended but if you already have something comfortable with good grip, then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well worn in pair!
- WATERPROOF CLOTHING: A plastic poncho is recommended, which is provided by SAM during your briefing. Some trekkers also like to bring waterproof trousers, however, a poncho will be sufficient if it covers your bag, body and most of your legs.
- PLASTIC BAGS: Keep your belongings and clothes dry inside the duffel. Bags are included in your duffel, which you receive during your briefing. We recommend that you wrap everything in plastic because the duffels are not waterproof.
- TOILET PAPER: This is an important item to bring during the trek! Bring small plastic bags for rubbish, which can be thrown in the main rubbish bag provided by the porters at camp.
- SMALL TOWEL AND BASIC PERSONAL TOILETRIES: There are showers available at the campsite on the third night. Bring travel size shampoo and shower gel, if you would like to use it, plus wet wipes for the rest of the trek.
- WATER BOTTLE: Bring one large (1.5 liter) or two or three small reusable water bottles that can be refilled on the trail with boiled water, which will be supplied when possible, usually after meal times. Please do not bring disposable bottles!
- WARM CLOTHING FOR THE NIGHT TIME: Fleece, long pants, woolen hat, gloves.
- THERMAL UNDERWEAR: If trekking in winter or if you tend to get cold easily.
- WALKING CLOTHING – YOU NEED TO LAYER UP: e.g. zip off trousers, fleece, T-shirts.
- PERSONAL MEDICATION AND BASIC FIRST AID KIT: Band aids, blister kit, Imodium, Panadol, rehydration salts, and any other medication prescribed by your doctor.
- CAMERA AND EXTRA BATTERIES, MEMORY CARDS: Please note: there are no electrical outlets on the Inca Trail so make sure you fully charge up/or have spare batteries!
- SNACKS: Chocolates, chips, crackers, granola bars, or energy bars etc. Additional snacks are provided during the trek, but you may like to bring some extras, just in case.
- FLASHLIGHT: This is very important! (and extra batteries)
- FOR THE SUN: Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat
- INSECT REPELLENT: Tropical strength
- ANTISEPTIC HAND GEL
- SWIMWEAR FOR AGUAS CALIENTES HOT SPRINGS: Towels can be rented for 5 soles.
- FLIP FLOPS / SANDALS: If you wish to have a shower on the third night.
- EXTRA MONEY: For tips, extra drinks and souvenirs.
Tipping for Inca Trail Staff
On the last night of your trek at Wiñay wayna, there is a tipping custom: all the hikers put their tips together and give them to the guide. The guide will then distribute that money between all the Inca Trail personnel. We advise anything from $50 to $70 USD per hiker.
